Dealers HRN Tractors, who have branches in Insch, Turriff, Kinloss, Muir of Ord, Wick, Balbeggie and Stirling, have released a statement speaking out against John Deere, following the manufacturer announcing they were to be replaced as dealers in certain areas.

The recently announced changes to the network saw Netherton Tractors being declared as Deere's new representatives from two new outlets in Turriff, Aberdeenshire and Nairn, Highland as of 1st November, replacing HRN Tractors there.

Prior to that, Netherton Tractors had been announced as establishing a new agricultural and homeowner equipment outlet in the Perth and Kinross area, replacing the sale of Deere machinery from HRN's Balbeggie branch.

Commenting publicly for the first time, in a joint statement published on their Facebook page last week, father and son owners of HRN, Neil and Stuart Barclay, posted a message firstly to reassure their customers. Saying they are "fully committed", Neil and Stuart said the business is in a "secure place."

The statement then went on to explain, from their point of view, why they have decided to part company with John Deere after 40 years.

They said, "We signed an annual contract renewal with John Deere in October 2019, and six weeks later, we were verbally told by John Deere management that in order to allow another John Deere dealer to survive in the area, they would be terminating HRN’s contract at Balbeggie.

"In addition, they advised that their ideal scenario would be that HRN continue as John Deere dealers north of Stonehaven, but that we cease trading completely in the Perthshire and surrounding area, to avoid us taking on another franchise and competing with the other John Deere dealer in the area."

The statement continued, "It has become abundantly clear that our visions of the future of Scottish agriculture differ greatly and we have completely lost trust in the company."

HRN quote a "senior member of John Deere management" who they say told them “Farming north of Stonehaven will be non-sustainable in the future” and “the west of Scotland will all be planted in trees”.

"We feel this", writes HRN, "shows a complete disconnect with reality."

The statement explains how HRN believe farming in Scotland will prosper in the future and that how they are a company built on reputation and trust, ".. neither of which we can now rely on with John Deere UK."

They conclude by saying "We have seven depots across the country, currently have the largest selection of used and nearly new agricultural machinery and equipment in Scotland and are exploring the possibility of taking on new franchises.

"We are excited about the future and the developments it will bring."

You can read HRN's statement in full on their Facebook page here.

Service Dealer asked John Deere if they wished to respond to HRN's comments but was told no further comment would be made beyond what was said in their last press statement announcing the changes.